Newsletter

Kansas regents to review social media policy

Policy established disciplinary actions for improper usage

The Kansas Board of Regents is taking up proposed revisions in a social media policy for faculty and staff at public universities.

The board adopted the policy in December in response to a University of Kansas professor’s tweets criticizing the National Rifle Association after a gunman killed 12 people at the Washington Navy yard.

The policy established disciplinary actions that university officials could take for improper use of social media. Critics said it would stifle academic freedom and chill the exchange of ideas on campuses.

On Wednesday, the regents are to review recommendations from their Governance Committee outlining acceptable social media activity. The proposed revisions would allow removal of employees for comments that are not otherwise protected by the First Amendment.